Apply and Practice: Using Film to Build an Appreciation for Diversity and Empathy.
Films are an excellent way to improve emotional intelligence and empathy for others, given that they tap into learners’ affective domains and help bridge technology and human experience. It is important to remember that empathy, or understanding the position of another, is not the same thing as sympathy, which entails pity. The purpose of this assignment is to help you develop an appreciation for others’ differences and how your response to those differences may affect your helping behaviors.
Directions
Please make sure to read all your assigned readings and supplemental resources to help you with this assignment. Next, watch one of the following films listed below. The films are available for free through the SWANK database in the LLC. See our LLC Module for details.
Ordinary People Links to an external site. (starring Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland), or
As Good as it GetsLinks to an external site. (starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt), or
The Silver Linings PlaybookLinks to an external site. (starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence)
Select one character whose experiences, life situation, and problems differ from your own. Next, review your supplemental and required readings/resources and answer the following prompts:
Identify the multiple factors of diversity that are part of this character’s life. If the consequences of diversity led to oppression, poverty, alienation, or marginalization, discuss the impact of those challenges on the character. Be sure to define relevant concepts (with citations) and offer specific, concrete examples from the film, using dialog from the film when appropriate.
As you watched the movie, what did you learn about the importance of human relationships to your character as that person faced difficult challenges? Discuss the relationships that seemed to be meaningful to your character.
Your goal is to empathize with your character. What are your guesses about how the character is feeling (e.g., angry, sad, scared, glad, troubled, frantic, anxious, etc.)? What situations might have led your character to feel that way? Make every effort to see the situation from the character’s point of view, rather than the way you would perceive the same situation.
Write two paragraphs in the first person as the character in the movie. For example, instead of saying “I think the character felt sad,” write as the character, “I feel angry when I think about my family putting me here.” (Girl, Interrupted.)
Discuss what you learned from this character’s life experiences. Write your thoughts about the aspects of the character that you would find difficult or easy to empathize with. If this character were your client, what would you do to increase your ability to empathize with the person?
What experiences from your life would help you understand this character? What experiences from your life would make it hard for you to empathize with this character?
Format
Students should use the following format for their written assignment:
Your paper should use an essay format (introduction, body, and conclusion).
Your paper must use APA format and cite sources, as necessary. If you need a refresher on APA, reference our Module of APA Resources.
In addition, please include:
Title Page
These headings and subheadings:
Multiple Factors of Diversity
Challenges and Human Relationships
Building Empathy
Conclusion
Reference Page (minimum of three scholarly references—do not forget to cite the film!)
Use a minimum of three scholarly references, including our textbook. Scholarly references can include peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and journals.
(I CHOSE Ordinary People Film)